PCT Day 35 – Agua Dulce

Yesterday evening, not long after I finished writing yesterday’s post, I decided to leave Acton and so I could wait for Dealer and Seven near the trailhead at the KOA campground.

I rapidly packed up my stuff and began a search for a ride. I ran into Thereza and Lucy. I had last met them at the haunted ski lodge. They were heading out too.

The ride

I had heard from Granite, that there was this dude name Kevin who was giving rides. He drove an old blacked-out police car. I saw the car near a run-down building in front of the saloon. The door of the building had a post-it note that said “KNOCK HARD”. I did. Some one hollered inside. Kevin appeared. “How many?” He asked. “Three,” I said. All four of us piled into the police car.

On the way to the KOA Kevin kept pulling off the road to show us stuff. It was mostly related to the film industry. A retirement home for big cats, a building built for a movie, the scenic backdrop Kevin Costner preferred. Kevin dropped us off at the KOA. I tried to give him a ten. “Too much,” he said. I gave him $3. I needed to keep my five-dollar bill for Hiker Town. Kevin would not allow me to take his picture. Something about the witness protection program. A lot of people say that as a joke. But with Kevin – it might be true.

Moving to the KOA was a good move. I got a real shower and met a bunch of hikers. Getting on the trail from here will be easy.

Up to Antelope Valley Highway

This morning, Dealer and Seven meet me at the trailhead east of the KOA. Our first task is to cross the Santa Clara River. Dealer films Seven crossing on a log. I think she is hoping to make some money on Americas Funniest Home Videos.

Then we get to do some real hiking as the trail goes up into the hills above the KOA.

This is my favorite kind of hiking – grassy slopes above scenic hills and valleys.

There are flowers here, too. I like these flowering bushes along the trail.

Bees are everywhere, flying from blossom to blossom. When I see one bury itself in this ni cactus flower, I have to get a picture.

We hike like this for four hours. Eventually we see California 14 (aka the Antelope Valley Freeway) spread out below us.

This freeway revives a bittersweet memory. Last year, as I was heading to San Diego on a bus to return home, I passed over this very spot. Bob, who was with me, pointed out the spot where the trail passed under the freeway. I remember thinking how bleak and dangerous the desert looked, and how glad I was to be missing it that year.

My experience this year has changed all that. The desert can be harsh, but it can be welcoming and beautiful. I think it has become one of me favorite sections.

We reach the tunnel under the freeway. The graffiti people have been improving the concrete.

Inside, the tunnel is cold and wet with water entering from the sides. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel though. Should I go toward the light? Which metaphor should I choose.

Vásquez Rocks

On the other side of the tunnel is Vásquez Rocks – an unusual rock formation that was the hiding place of a famous outlaw. Here are a few photos of that area.

And just because no horse shall be omitted from this blog, here are three beauties with their riders. They were admiring the rocks, too.

Agua Dulce

The trail goes through the center of Agua Dulce. Don’t ask me why. But it did make it convenient to grab lunch here and a big doggie bag for dinner later. Here is our hike out of town.

Eventually we make it back to the trail and start heading up the east side of Spade Spring Canyon.

We know we have reached the PCT when we see these little clay figures marking the trailhead. These figures have been placed along the trail in multiple locations. What do they mean? I think they are good.

We have options for camping at 2, 4 and 6 miles. It is early, so we decide to go for at least 4 more miles, with the six mile camp a possibility if our stamina permits.

Not long after we pass the four-mile camp, I walk by some bees coming out of a big hole above the trail. I pause to watch them. Bad move. It’s one thing to observe a bee away from its hive, but a casual stop next to the hive is a threat to bees. They attacked. One sting the back of my shoulder. Another landed on my neck. I swatted the one on my neck and ran. They followed my for about 50 feet before flying away. Ouch. I holler back to Dealer and Seven to warn them. They pass by unharmed.

Near camp I see my first real snake on the trail. What kind of snake is this?

Camp

We squeeze into a very small campsite. We break out our town food and eat it as we look at mountains we will cross tomorrow.

It has been a fun and productive day. I hope tomorrow is just as good.

• June 8
• Starting marker: 444.3
• Ending marker: 462.8
• Miles hiked today: 19
• Total miles hiked: 433